Playing the Bard

Playing a bard character in either D&D or Pathfinder has often been laughed at.  Who could blame anyone for that.  The Bard has long been thought to be "the Crappy Class" and has Never been taken seriously.
   Those who mock, I have notice, are never truly "role players."  The Bard, in my opinion, is the ultimate Role Playing class.  No other class that I can think of offers more opportunities  to interact with other player characters or non-player characters that the GM might throw at you.  Sure their class abilities aren't the greatest, their spells are limited and non-damaging and they usually can't hit the broad side of a barn from four feet away.  But using their abilities to interact with the world is great fun!
    I have recently decided that when my Bard uses one of his Bardic Performance abilities that requires a song or a poem that I would actually use a song or a poem.  My gaming group has enjoyed this very much and it adds a bit of flavor and role play to the game.
    when I want to "inspire courage" for instance, I don't simply say "I use 'inspire courage,' everyone gets +1 to....."   I say (or sing) "the minstrel boy to the war is gone, in the Ranks of Death you will find him, his Fathers sword he hath girded on and his wild harp slung behind him.  Land of Song said the Warrior bard, though all the world betrays him.  One sword at least they rights shall guard one faithful harp shall praise thee." or some other similar song.
     If I use my Bardic Knowledge to find out information on some specific person or event, i don't just spout back out what the GM told me, I put my own little flare on it.  I chronicle our journeys, and use what I have written to perform in a tavern in our next stop.  If your GM is any good, he will reward you for making the game more immersive and fun for all involved by giving you just a little more information, or maybe a little extra boost to your Bardic Performance for the extra effort involved.
    S, While the Bard's abilities may not help too much in the combat sense, and he definitely won't be slaying any Dragons any time soon, he Will help with interacting in the game world and add that little extra touch of immersion that you might be lacking with the typical Fighter, Wizard, Cleric, Rogue party.